Orange Milkweed (Asclepias tuberosa)
Host Plant, Nectar Source
Blooms in June, July, and August
Height: 2'
Full Sun to Part Shade
Dry to Average soil.
Notes: Very popular in gardens. My personal favorite.
Swamp Milkweed (Asclepias incarnata)
Host Plant, Nectar Source
Blooms in June, July, and August
Height: 4'
Full Sun to Part Shade
Average to Wet soil
Notes: Also called Rose Milkweed.
Common Milkweed (Asclepias syriaca)
Host Plant, Nectar Source
Blooms in June, July, and August
Height: 5'
Full Sun to Part Shade
Dry to Average soil
Notes: Smells like Lilac. Spreads by underground rhizomes.
Meadow Blazing Star (Liatris ligulistylis)
Nectar Source
Blooms July, August, and September
Height: 5'
Full Sun to Part Shade
Dry to Average soil
Notes: Meadow Blazing Star is often called the #1 Monarch magnet. In some cases, a dozen or more Monarchs may be seen on this plant.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea)
Nectar Source
Blooms in July, August, and September
Height: 3'-4'
Full Sun to Part Shade
Dry to Average soil
Notes: Stick with the true native specie; avoid hybrids.
New England Aster (Aster novae-angliae)
Nectar Source
Blooms in August, September, and October
Height: 4'-5'
Full Sun to Part Shade
Dry to Wet soil
Notes: Asters are one of the best late-season nectar sources as Monarchs are migrating back to Mexico. A lack of late-season nectar sources may be one of the many reasons Monarchs are struggling.
It's no secret, Monarch butterflies are in trouble. The Monarch population has been on a downward trend for the last 20 years. In the winter of 1996-97, the Monarch population covered over 18 hectacres at their overwintering grounds in Mexico, compared to just 0.67 hectacres in 2013-14. Their population has had a slight increase in the last few years and they covered 2.91 hectacres in 2016-17. There's no doubt that we need to do something immediately if we hope to save them as well as the many other species that rely on prairie habitat. Prairie is disappearing. Today, only 3% of tallgrass prairie still exists, and it's continuing to be destroyed and converted into farmland. While it may seem almost hopeless, all hope is not lost. Small prairie restorations are happening all over the country. While it won't make up for everything we've lost, it's a step in the right direction. On top of that, you can make a difference yourself. You can help this butterfly by simply planting what they need. I've put together a list of some of the most beneficial species you can plant. By adding just a few, or even all of the plants listed below, your yard can become a miniature habitat that will benefit Monarch butterflies and other pollinators.
